American Cancer Society honors 19 corporate donors

By Michael Johnsen

ATLANTA – The American Cancer Society on Friday honored 19 companies, including three retail pharmacy operators and three consumer packaged goods companies, with its Excellence in Philanthropy award — recognizing the companies for their generous support of the society’s efforts to eliminate cancer as a public health burden.

The Excellence in Philanthropy recognition is part of the American Cancer Society’s Corporate Impact Awards, presented annually by the Society’s Corporate & Systems Initiative. The honor is given to corporations that have provided $1 million or more to the Society during the previous calendar year through a combination of corporate contributions, in-kind support, cause marketing and sponsorship, employee giving and/or event fundraising.

The 2012 recipients of the Corporate Impact Excellence in Philanthropy award include:

Abbott;

Procter & Gamble (Pantene Beautiful Lengths);

Bank of America;

Live Positively and Sprite Zero of The Coca-Cola Company;

Curves International;

The Pampered Chef;

Foot Locker;

United Airlines;

General Motors and Chevrolet;

Walgreens;

HairUWear;

Walmart;

IBM;

Kohl’s;

WellPoint;

Wells Fargo;

Kroger;

the National Football League; and

Maurices & Dressbarn.

“The generosity and ongoing support of these companies has a direct impact on the American Cancer Society’s ability to help people stay well and get well, to find cures for cancer and to fight back,” stated John Seffrin, CEO American Cancer Society. “It is with their help that we are able to save 350 lives per day from cancer and continue on the path toward our goal of saving 1,000 lives per day.”

"Each year, thousands of Kroger associates commit their energy, time and funds to fight cancer in their communities," stated Lynn Marmer, Kroger's group VP corporate affairs. "We're so proud to accept this award that recognizes the contribution of each and every Making Strides and Relay for Life team in the Kroger family."